Brandy’s for Christmas

There is an ancient Japanese saying “take the obvious and reverse it” and that is what we usually try to adhere to, especially when gift giving. We look at the obvious gifts that we give and ask the question “would we want that?” We have stopped giving gift cards as they are too impersonal and seem to us thoughtless and we then therefore “take the obvious and reverse it.”
Wine and spirits are a “usual” gift to people who enjoy them and are often graciously and thankfully received. Think however if they are presented with a wine or spirit that they have not tried before and in many cases never even knew that they existed. expected is the obvious; we will show you how to reverse it.

Calvados Cardinal ($39.99).In 1588, the Spanish galleon El Calvador, escaping from the defeat of the Invincible Armada by Sir Francis Drake, beached itself on the shores of Normandy in France. That event began a chapter in French history which continues to this day. Not only was the department (state) named after the ship but so was a delicious apple brandy made in that district. Calvados Cardinal an elegant apple brandy that has been aged in old oak casks, and is more like a fine Cognac than an apple brandy. A light suggestion of apple flavors mingle with a hint of plum and apricots. Since the Calvados Cardinal was aged in wood, there is also the unmistakable oak and vanilla element in the aroma and the flavor. What perks the interest is the amazing smoothness and depth of this brandy. Calvados is a refreshing and novel turn away from cognac or other brandies.

Calvados Coquerel ($15.99/375ml). An elegant brandy that has been aged for five
years in old oak casks is more like a fine cognac, rather than an apple brandy. The apple flavor is very much understated but none the less there. These apple flavors mingle with a hint of plum and apricots. Since it was aged in wood, there is also the unmistakable oak and vanilla element in the background. What perks the interest is the amazing smoothness and depth of this brandy. It almost seems sweet but it is in reality, very dry. Calvados is a refreshing and novel turn away from cognac or other brandies and Calvados Coquerel is among the best.

Sempé V.S.O.P. Armagnac ($46.99). A gift of an Armagnac to a brandy enthusiast could start that person in a new direction of enjoyment and discovery. Among the best of the Armagnac’s are those of Sempé. One could call this “a very obvious brandy” for two reasons. The first is the distinctive triangular bottle; the second is that the V.S.O.P. is the strong foundation that Sempé has built their reputation upon. The V.S.O.P. epitomizes all of the qualities one seeks in a fine and elegant brandy. The subtle aroma of the plums, prunes and violets grown in the Armagnac region can be easily detected in its distinctive bouquet. On the palate this brandy is extraordinarily smooth, with absolutely no harshness or rough edges. An Armagnac such as the Sempé V.S.O.P. is an excellent way to “reverse the obvious” as a gift especially to a Cognac enthusiast.

Chabot V.S.O.P. Deluxe Armagnac ($85.99/750ml). Another choice would be the Chabot V.S.O.P. Deluxe Armagnac. a blend of specially selected brandies with a very attractive pale gold color that has been aged to perfection in oak barrels which has endowed this Armagnac with a superb texture and bouquet. Chabot V.S.O.P. Deluxe is a complex, mature Armagnac with a delicate flavor, good depth, displaying an aroma laced with violets, vanilla, and dried fruits. Although aged for years in oak barrels, the oak does not overpower the essence of the grape but rather mingles with it to add many more layers of flavor to an already flavorful brandy. It is Armagnac’s like the Chabot V.S.O.P. Deluxe that has won over many Cognac enthusiasts and changed their drinking preferences forever.